Phantasma

Phantom load, vampire energy, and standby power are all terms that refer to the consumption of electricity by devices that are switched off but still plugged in. This effect can account for as much as 20% of your electricity bill, and costs the average household over $100 a year. According to the EPA, idle gadgets suck up to $10 billion in energy annually. That’s a pretty large strain on the environment.

Fortunately, you can avoid paying a hefty price for unused appliances by simply unplugging your appliances at the end of the day, or when they are not in usage. You can also make the task easier by using (smart) power strips.

Phantasma is an iOS app that helps you cut down on spending and reduce your carbon footprint by tracking your appliances and reminding you to unplug them. Additionally, the app calculates statistics using data from Lawrence Berkeley National Lab so you can see the impact of your actions.